Michael Raymond Hurst

Thursday, January 12, 2017

Michael Raymond Hurst

Michael Raymond Hurst was born June 8, 1949, in Piggott, Ark., to Garland A. (Bud) and Joline Hurst. He left this world on January 9, 2017. He grew up in the farming community of Nimmons where he spent many hours with friends and loved ones exploring the area surrounding the family home and the St. Francis River.

Michael attended Southeast Elementary in Carryville and graduated from Piggott High School in 1967. He was the Mohawk Indian Mascot in which he dressed in full attire from war paint on his face to the full Indian head dress, and had the honor of running around the field after every touchdown for all the football games.

Michael furthered his education at Arkansas State University, in Jonesboro, where he graduated with a degree in General Business/Radio-Television Journalism. This degree lead a young man of 22, who grew up on a farm, straight to the city that never sleeps, New York City. He was employed by Darling Store Fixtures where he sold store fixtures to the large retail industry emerging at that time. He fit right in with the hustle, bustle and excitement of the big city. At the age of 27 he became the head of the regional office in Indiana for Darling Store Fixtures. His occupation at that time gave him the opportunity to pursue his passions of traveling and meeting people from all walks of life. After 16 years in the industry, he ended up in Atlanta, Ga., as a regional sales manager of the southeastern United States for Target Store Fixtures until his declining health brought him back to his hometown of Piggott where he was an active member of the Fellowship Grace Church.

Michael was preceded in death by his father, Garland A. "Bud" Hurst (2008) and his brother, Steven Garland Hurst (1999). He is survived by his mother, Joline Hurst of Warren, Ark.; his sisters, Belinda Grant of St. Francis, Ark. And Cecilia Whittemore (Don) of Warren, Ark.; his brother, Rick Hurst (Lilli) of Poplar Bluff, Mo.; sister-in law, Susan Hurst of Little Rock, Ark. and several nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Michael Hurst was a very caring and compassionate person, and donated to many charities that were dear to his heart.

Donations in his memory can be made to American Lung Association or Fellowship Grace Church, 371 North Moore Avenue, Piggott, Ark., 72454.